Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cause" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cause", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
起因
きいん (kiin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
帰責事由
きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cause" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 起因 and 帰責事由.
In Japanese, 起因 (きいん (kiin)) is typically associated with "cause, origin" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the underlying cause or source of an event or phenomenon. Often used in a slightly formal or analytical context, especially for negative outcomes, usually with 〜に起因する.
On the other hand, 帰責事由 (きせきじゆう (kisekijiyuu)) maps to "cause attributable to a party" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "cause" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "起因"
その問題は、古いシステムに起因している。
That problem is caused by the old system.
Bilingual Context for "帰責事由"
私は帰責事由に興味があります。
I am interested in cause attributable to a party.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その問題は、古いシステムに ＿＿＿ している。" (Meaning: "That problem is caused by the old system.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "起因" fits here because it means "cause, origin" in the context of: "That problem is caused by the old system.". "帰責事由" represents "cause attributable to a party".